One of the most widely observed festivals in India, particularly in the state of West Bengal and the city of Kolkata, is Durga Puja, also known as "Pujo" in Bengali. It celebrates the goddess Durga, a warrior deity who stands for the universe's feminine might. The event honors the legend that Durga conquered the buffalo monster Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

 

In 2023, Durga Puja is likely to be around the following dates:

Mahalaya - October 14, 2023

Maha Panchami - October 19, 2023

Maha Sashti - October 20, 2023

Maha Saptami - October 21, 2023.

Maha Ashtami - October 22, 2023

Maha Navami - October 23, 2023.

Vijay Dashami - October 24, 2023

 



          ORIGIN OF DURGA PUJA

One of the most important Hindu festivals is Durga Puja, which is largely observed in eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha. The event honors the goddess Durga, and it has religious traditions that date back thousands of years in Hindu mythology.

 

ORIGIN IN MYTHOLOGY:

 Mahishasura Mardini: In accordance with lore, Durga Puja commemorates the goddess' triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to tradition, Mahishasura had attained superhuman strength and was wreaking havoc in the sky. The gods, who could not stand his tyranny, sent the warrior goddess Durga to battle Mahishasura. On the tenth day, following a violent struggle that lasted nine days and nights, Durga ultimately vanquished the monster. This triumph is celebrated with the Durga Puja holiday, featuring




 

 

RITUALS OF DURGA PUJA

The annual Hindu festival of Durga Puja, also known as Pujo to many in West Bengal and other areas of Eastern India, commemorates the goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo monster Mahishasura, signifying the victory of good over evil. This celebration lasts for ten days, with "Vijayadashami" on the tenth day. Here is a summary of the primary Durga Puja ceremonies and practices:

Mahalaya- is observed a week prior to the major celebration and signals the start of the countdown to Durga Puja. It represents the day that Durga is thought to have descended to Earth. The "Mahishasura Mardini" collection of shlokas and melodies, which is devoted to the goddess, is traditionally heard by lots of people in the early morning.

Making of Pandals: To house the clay statues of Durga and her four offspring, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesh, large, elaborate temporary buildings known as pandals are built. These opulently ornamented pandals are a big magnet for tourists.

Making of Murti (Idols): Clay idols are made by artisans who begin their work months in advance. The idols show Mahishasura being defeated by Durga.

Shashti: The event officially starts on the sixth day following Mahalaya. The idols are set up in the pandals on this day, and a rite known as "Bodhon" is done to call upon the goddess's spirit.

Saptami: On the seventh day, the goddess is called into a bilva tree as part of the "Pran Pratishtha" rite. An important ceremony known as "Kola Bou" involves bathing a banana plantain that symbolizes Goddess Durga's wife aspect.

Ashtami: This is one of the festival's most important days. "Pushpanjali" (flower offering) is a part of morning rituals. The "Sandhi Puja," which connects the conclusion of Ashtami and the start of Navami, is what distinguishes the evening. It honors the pivotal point in Durga's conflict with Mahishasura.

Navami: The Maha Aarti on this day marks the end of the main religious rituals.

Vijayadashami or Dashami: This is the tenth and final day. It symbolizes Durga's victory over evil. The main ritual on this day is "Sindoor Khela", where married women smear each other with vermilion. Finally, the idols are paraded through the streets, accompanied by music and dance, before being immersed in a river or water body. This is called "Visarjan".

Cultural Programs: Throughout the festival, especially during evenings, various cultural programs such as dance performances, music, and drama are held in or around the pandals.



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